Project EARTH (Environmental Awareness as Rebound to Hazards): Identifying the Environmental attitudes and Ecological Behavior in Dr. Alcantara National High School: A Basis for Eco-Friendly School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Schools can be the best partner of the government in countering environmental education. It would only be fair to say that schools have a responsibility towards our future leaders, not only teach them how to count, spell, read and write, but also to have proper knowledge about environmental awareness. The school system is key for improving one's position in nurturing the environment. It can be made into an avenue of learning and practice that meaningfully influences proper conservation of the environment. It is in this context that this research emerges.

METHODS

The respondents were the 99 classroom officers and their 8 class advisers, with a total participant of 107. The researcher constructed questionnaires distributed to the respondents and the results were identified by identifying the mean. The study determined the environmental attitudes and behaviors of the respondents as they are the leaders in their classes and mentors of their students respectively.

RESULTS

The study revealed that on the environmental attitude of respondents, conserving water/electricity and recycling mixed papers were their preferred initiatives. When it comes to ecological behavior, the respondents said they conserve water and electricity in school and put their trash in the bins but they are unsure about how frequent they are doing these. This indicates that respondents know the best things to help the school in reducing waste but they find it hard to follow.

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher discovered that the respondents being the leaders in their classes and mentors know how to nurture the environment but find it difficult to practice. Therefore, the researcher suggests that another study shall be undertaken to determine the reasons behind this difficulty. Incorporating the topic of proper waste management in all subject areas shall also be considered. Symposia can be organized for awareness, not only for teachers and students but parents or guardians as well. Activities such as tree planting, clean-up drive, proper waste disposal, recycling that engaged the students and even teachers are also necessary for Dr. Alcantara National High School to be called an ecofriendly school.